Often found in ditches, wet fields and places subjected to flooding alothough not a wetland. It is widely distributed from scrub lands to arable, marshy lands.

Occurrence

benghalensis is native species to tropical and subtropical Asia and Africa. It is widely distributed in countries like India, Bhutan, Nepal, china, Japan and Pakistan. It is a rapidly reproducing plant and considered as a one of the most troublesome weed in 29 different countries.

Edible parts

World wide use Leaves

Used by tribal community in Jawhar Leaves

Method of consumption

Jawhar tribal

Leaves are steamed, cooked in local masala and eaten as a vegetable

Other Recipe

Commelina benghalensis sambar

Main Ingredients

Toovar daal

Chopped C. benghalensis

Turmeric powder

Castor oil

1 tsp ghee

Cumin seeds

Chopped shallots

1 red chilli

½ tsp sambar powder

Instruction

Boil toovar dhal along with little turmeric powder and a bit of castor oil.

The analgesic potential of the C.benghalensis was assessed to scientifically validate the folklore and ethnomedical uses of the plant. Thus the study conducted on the different fractions of the aerial parts of the herb showed significant potential as a remedy to eliminate pain and hence justifed the traditional uses.

Propagation and Storage

Season of collection

Edible: Monsoon

How to grow it?

It usually grows in wild. Although, stem cutting can be the easy means of propagation and broken stems can easily form leaves when moist soil conditions are available.

Method of storage

Propagules: Cannot be stored

Edibles: Highly perishable hence eaten immediately after harvest.

Other uses

benghalensis is considered as good fodder for cattle as it is reported to increase the milk production naturally in cows.

The leaves are eaten as vegetable in Africa. With this different components of the herb are used as medicine for sore feet. Sore throat, burns, eye irritation and stomach irritation. Whereas, in southern Africa. C. benghalensis is used to combat infertility.